Fragrance emitting apparatus for use with USB port

ABSTRACT

A fragrance emitting apparatus ( 20 ) for connection to a USB port. In one embodiment, the fragrance emitting apparatus ( 20 ) comprises a casing ( 22 ) having an interior and a fragrance vent ( 36 A,  36 B) in communication with the interior, a heating element ( 42 ) located within the casing ( 22 ) that generates heat when electrical power is applied thereto, a USB connector ( 28 ) connected to the casing ( 22 ) and electrically connected to the heating element ( 42 ) so as to provide electrical power to the heating element ( 42 ) when the USB connector ( 28 ) is connected to a USB port, and a stationary fragrance member ( 50 ) located within the casing ( 22 ) to provide a fragrance, scent or aroma when heat is applied to the fragrance member ( 50 ). The fragrance member ( 50 ) is proximate to the heating element ( 42 ) so that heat generated by the heating element ( 42 ) causes the fragrance member ( 50 ) to emit a fragrance, scent or aroma which exits the interior of the casing ( 22 ) through the vent ( 36 A,  36 B). Other embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention are disclosed herein.

This international patent application claims priority to prior U.S.application No. 60/747,221, filed May 15, 2006, and to prior U.S.application No. 60/806,191, filed Jun. 29, 2006. The entire disclosuresof the aforesaid application Nos. 60/747,221 and 60/806,191 are herebyincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is generally relates to a fragrance emittingapparatus that is configured to be connected to a USB port of a computeror peripheral device and emit a fragrance when electrical power isprovided to a heating element within the fragrance emitting apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

Electronic devices that are configured to release a fragrance or scentare known in the art. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2003/0206834 entitled “Replaceable Scent And Multimedia Storage For UseWith A Playback Apparatus Having Electrostatic Scents Release” describesa scent-bearing and multi-media disk or cartridge for use with separatemulti-media playback and scent recovery systems. U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. US 2004/0235430 entitled “Mobile Phone And ScentDispenser Thereof” describes a module phone and a scent dispenser. Thescent dispenser includes a body and a scent dispensing device. The bodyincludes a tank and a channel. The tank stores a scent in liquid mediumtherein. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2005/0013728entitled “Fragrance Generation Device” describes a fragrance generationdevice for information products such as a computer, PDA or an electricalappliance. U.S. Pat. No. 7,200,363 entitled “Communication Device HavingA Scent Release Feature And Method Thereof” describes a communicationdevice such as a cellular telephone that includes a heat-generatingdevice that generates heat energy. In thermal proximity to theheat-generating device is a scent package that includes a scentedsubstance that is activated by the heat-generating device. U.S. Pat. No.7,203,417 entitled “Portable Scent Delivery Device” describes a portablescent delivery device that employs a housing and scent generator whichselectively releases a scent. The housing is suitably a headset, hat,shoulder harness or personal electronic device like a mobile telephone.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,935 (the “'935 patent”) discloses a USB ElectricFragrant Emitting Pendant Joint. However, the design of the device shownin the '935 patent is complicated. Specifically, that device uses arotary fragrance rod that has a ball-shaped end. The ball shaped end isexternal to the device. The rotary fragrant rod is rotated to apredetermined angle, presumably by the user.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a new and improved fragrance emittingapparatus that can be plugged into a USB port of a computer, a computerperipheral device, or any other device that uses a USB port.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a fragranceemitting USB pendant device is provided. The fragrance emitting USBpendant device comprises a casing having an interior and a fragrancevent in communication with the interior, a heating element within thecasing that generates heat when electrical power is applied thereto, afragrance member that provides a fragrance, scent or aroma when heat isapplied to the fragrance member, and means for positioning the fragrancemember proximate to the heating element so that heat generated by theheating element causes the fragrance member to emit a fragrance, scentor aroma that exits the interior of the casing through the fragrancevent. The casing has a top portion and a bottom portion. The fragrancevent is in the top portion. The fragrance vent is aligned with thefragrance member. An air vent is located in the bottom portion of thecasing to allow air flow into the interior of the casing. The topportion of the casing has a generally concave-shaped cover portion thatis positioned adjacent to the fragrance member. The fragrance vent isgenerally centrally located in the concave-shaped cover portion. Theconcave-shape of the concave-shaped cover portion facilitates insertionof a fragrance-emitting substance into the fragrance vent in order toreplenish the fragrance member with a fragrance-emitting substance.

In another embodiment, the fragrance emitting apparatus of the presentinvention comprises a USB flash memory drive that provides a fragrance,scent or aroma when the USB flash memory drive is in use. In oneembodiment, the USB flash memory drive comprises a housing having avent, an electronic component within the housing that generates heatwhen the USB flash memory drive is in use, a device containing asubstance that emits a fragrance, scent or aroma when heat is applied tothe device, and means for positioning the device in proximity to theelectronic component so that heat generated by the electronic componentcauses the device to emit the fragrance, scent or aroma. The fragrance,scent or aroma exits the interior of the housing through the vent.

Other embodiments of the present invention are disclosed and describedherein.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the ensuing description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features of the present invention will become more readilyapparent and may be understood by referring to the following detaileddescription of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is top plan view of the fragrance emitting USB pendant device inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an end view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the fragrance emitting USB pendant device ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the fragrance emitting USB pendant device ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view, in perspective, of the fragrance emittingUSB device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view illustrating the direction in which aprotective tab is pulled from the interior of the fragrance emitting USBpendant device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fragrance emitting USB pendantdevice of FIG. 1 after removal of the protective tab;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the fragrance emitting USB pendantdevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fragrance emitting USB pendant devicein accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the fragrance emitting USB pendant deviceof FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the fragrance emitting USB pendant device ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is side view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the fragrance emitting USB pendantdevice of FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is perspective view of a fragrance emitting apparatus inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention, thefragrance emitting apparatus being configured as a USB flash memorydrive;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the USB flash memory drive of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the USB flash memory driveof FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a partial, cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment ofthe USB flash memory drive;

FIG. 18 is a top view of a further embodiment of the USB flash memorydrive;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a fragrance emitting apparatus inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the viewshowing an air vent cover of the fragrance emitting apparatus being in aclosed position;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the fragrance emitting apparatus of FIG.19;

FIG. 21 is an exploded view, in perspective, of the fragrance emittingapparatus of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is another exploded, top view of the fragrance emittingapparatus of FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a further exploded view of the fragrance emitting apparatusof FIG. 19;

FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the fragrance emitting apparatus ofFIG. 19;

FIG. 25 is a side view, in elevation, of the fragrance emittingapparatus of FIG. 19, the view showing the air vent cover in the closedposition;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view, in elevation, of the fragranceemitting apparatus of FIG. 19, the view showing the air vent cover inthe closed position;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the fragrance emitting apparatus ofFIG. 19, the view showing the air vent cover in an open position;

FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the fragrance emitting apparatus as shownin FIG. 27, the view showing the air vent cover in an open position;

FIG. 29 is a side view, in elevation, of the fragrance emittingapparatus as shown in FIG. 28, the view showing the air vent cover in anopen position;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 30-30 in FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a top view of a fragrance emitting apparatus in accordancewith a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a side view, in elevation, of the fragrance emittingapparatus of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a bottom view of the fragrance emitting apparatus of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 34-34 of FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 is a top view of the fragrance emitting apparatus of FIG. 31,the view showing the cover pivoted to an open position;

FIG. 36 is a top view of the fragrance emitting apparatus of FIG. 31,the view showing the cover pivoted to an open position and a USBconnector pivoted to an exposed position;

FIG. 37A is a front view of the fragrance emitting apparatus of FIG. 31and a removable cartridge that is removably positioned within the casingof the fragrance emitting apparatus;

FIG. 37B is side view, in elevation, of the cartridge shown in FIG. 37A;

FIG. 38 is a top view of the fragrance emitting apparatus of FIG. 31,the view showing the cover in a closed position and the USB connectorpivoted to an exposed position;

FIG. 39 is side view, in elevation, of the fragrance emitting apparatus,as shown in FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 40-40 of FIG. 38; and

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a fragrance emitting apparatus inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a top plan view of the fragrance emitting apparatus of FIG.41;

FIG. 43 is a side view, in elevation, of the fragrance emittingapparatus of FIG. 41;

FIG. 44 is a view taken along line 44-44 of FIG. 42;

FIG. 45 is a bottom view of the fragrance emitting apparatus of FIG. 41;

FIG. 46 is a side view, in elevation, taken along line 46-46 of FIG. 45;

FIG. 47 is an exploded view, in perspective, of the fragrance emittingapparatus of FIG. 41;

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of the fragrance emitting apparatus ofFIG. 41; and

FIG. 49 is another cross-sectional view of the fragrance emittingapparatus of FIG. 41, the view showing a door of the fragrance emittingapparatus in an open position.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown fragrance emitting apparatus inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the fragrance emitting apparatus is configured as fragranceemitting USB pendant device 20. For purposes of brevity, fragranceemitting USB pendant device 20 is referred to herein as “USB pendantdevice 20”. USB pendant device 20 generally comprises casing or housing22 which has top portion 24 and bottom portion 26. USB pendant device 20further comprises USB connector 28 that is configured to be plugged orinserted into a USB port (not shown) of a computer or a peripheraldevice.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, casing 22 includes protruding portion 30that defines opening 32. A key ring chain, string, strap or wire can beinserted into opening 32 so that the USB pendant device 20 can be hungaround a user's neck. Top portion 24 of casing 22 includes section 34which has fragrance vents 36A and 36B from which a fragrance is emitted.Fragrance vent 36A is a central fragrance vent. Air vent 38 is locatedin bottom portion 26 and allows air to enter the interior of casing 22(see FIG. 8).

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, USB pendant device 20 includes post 39and support base 40 that are attached to bottom portion 26 of casing 22.The purpose of post 39 is discussed in the ensuing description. Supportbase 40 has an interior portion within which is positioned heatingelement 42. Heating element 42 generates heat when electrical power isapplied thereto. Heating element 42 can be almost any type of electricaldevice that generates heat when electrical power is applied thereto. Inthis example, heating element 42 is a resistor having electricalconductors 44 that are electrically connected to USB connector 28. WhenUSB connector 28 is connected or inserted into a USB port (not shown) ofa computer (not shown) or other peripheral device (not shown),electrical power is provided, via USB connector 28 and electricalconductors 44, to heating element 42.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, USB pendant device 20 further comprisesfragrance member 50 that is supported by support base 40 such thatfragrance member 50 is positioned over heating element 42. (Fragrancemember 50 is shown in phantom in FIG. 1). Fragrance member 50 isentirely located within the interior of casing 22. Thus, no portion offragrance member 50 is external to casing 22. Fragrance member 50 emitsa desired fragrance, scent or aroma when heat is applied thereto. Forexample, in one embodiment, fragrance member 50 can be configured as anabsorbent member that is soaked or saturated with a liquid substancethat emits a desired fragrance, scent or aroma when heat is appliedthereto. Examples of liquid substances include oils and perfumes. Inanother embodiment, fragrance member 50 comprises a device that iscoated with a substance that emits a desired fragrance, scent or aromawhen heat is applied thereto. In another embodiment, fragrance member 50comprises a capsule or small container that contains a liquid that emitsa desired fragrance when heat is applied thereto. Fragrance member 50can be configured to emit any one of variety of fragrances, aromas orscents, e.g. perfumes, fruit, flowers, etc. In one embodiment, fragrancemember 50 has a generally rectangular shape. In another embodiment,fragrance member 50 has a generally square shape, as shown in FIGS. 1and 5. In a further embodiment, fragrance member 50 has a generallycircular, planar shape.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3-8, USB pendant device 20 further comprisesprotective tab 60. Protective tab 60 comprises a first portion 60A thatis initially positioned within the interior of USB pendant device 20 anda second portion 60B that is external to casing 22. First portion 60A ispositioned between fragrance member 50 and vents 36A and 36B. Protectivetab 60 has opening 60C that is adjacent to slit 60D. Opening 60C issized to receive post 39 (see FIGS. 5 and 8). Protective tab 60 ensuresthat fragrance member 50 remains fresh and does not experiencediminished fragrance emitting efficacy. Thus, protective tab 60 extendsthe shelf life of fragrance member 50 prior to use. Prior to using USBpendant device 20 for the first time, the user pulls out protective tab60 in the direction indicated by arrow 70 in FIG. 6. Post 39 slidesthrough slit 60D in protective tab 60. The user can then insert USBconnector 28 in a USB port (not shown) of a computer or peripheraldevice. Once electrical power is applied to USB connector 28, electricalpower is applied to heating element 42. In response to the electricalpower, heating element 42 generates heat which causes fragrance member50 to emit a fragrance. The fragrance is emitted through vents 36A and36B. Air vent 38 allows air to flow into casing 22 to prevent heatingelement 42 from overheating. In a preferred embodiment, heating element42 is fixed to the support base 40 so that it is not movable.

Contrary to prior art U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,935 which uses a rotaryfragrant rod that is rotated through a predetermined angle, fragrancemember 50 of USB pendant device 20 does not rotate. Furthermore,fragrance member 50 is located entirely within the interior of casing22.

In one embodiment, USB pendant device 20 has an overall shape that issubstantially the same as the shape of a USB flash memory drive.

Referring to FIGS. 9-13, there is shown fragrance emitting USB pendantdevice 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention. USB pendant device 100 generally comprises casing 102. Casing102 comprises top portion 104 and bottom portion 106. USB pendant 100further comprises USB connector 108 which is configured to be pluggedinto a USB port (not shown) of a computer (not shown) or peripheraldevice (not shown). Top portion 104 has cover portion 110 which has aconcave shape. Cover portion 110 has a plurality of fragrance vents 112and 113 formed therein, wherein fragrance vent 112 is a central vent andis centrally located in cover portion 110.

Referring to FIGS. 9-13, bottom portion 106 of casing 102 has air vent114 to allow air to flow into interior 116 of casing 102. Top portion104 of casing 102 has a support section 120 beneath cover portion 110 soas to define space 122. Support section 120 has a plurality of vents 124therein. USB pendant device 100 further includes fragrance member 130that is entirely positioned in space 122. Cover portion 110 is attachedto support section 120. Specifically, support section 120 has openings125 to receive tabs 134 of cover portion 110.

Referring to FIG. 13, USB pendant device 100 further includes supportmember 140 that is located within interior 116 and attached to bottomsection 106. USB pendant device 100 also includes heating element 150which is supported by support member 140. Electrical conductor 160 isconnected to USB connector 108 and heating element 150. Electricalconductor 160 provides electrical power to heating element 150 when USBconnector 108 is plugged into a USB port (not shown). When USB connector108 is plugged into a USB port of a computer or peripheral device,electrical power is applied to heating element 150 via electricalconductor 160. In response, heating element 150 generates heat whichpasses through openings 124 in support section 120. This heat causesfragrance member 130 to emit a fragrance. The fragrance is emittedthrough vents 112 and 113.

A key feature of USB pendant device 100 is that a user may replenishfragrance member 130 with a fragrance producing substance by depositingsuch substance on the concave-shaped cover portion 110. The concavesurface of cover portion 110 enables the fragrance producing substanceto flow into central fragrance vent 112 in cover portion 110 and fall ordrop onto fragrance member 130. For example, if the fragrance producingsubstance is an oil or perfume, the user can insert drops of oil intofragrance vent 112. The concave surface of cover portion 110 will causeany excess oil to flow into central fragrance vent 112.

In one embodiment, USB pendant device 100 has an overall shape that issubstantially the same as the shape of a USB flash memory drive.

The ensuing description and FIGS. 14-18 are based on prior U.S.application no. 60/747,221, filed May 15, 2006. For purposes ofpreparing this international application, the reference numbers anddrawing figure numbers shown in the aforesaid application no. 60/747,221have been changed as shown herein in order to avoid confusion. However,it is to be understood that the FIGS. 14-18 and the ensuing descriptioncontain the identical subject matter disclosed in the aforesaid U.S.application No. 60/747,221.

USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory drives (also known as USB stickdrives) are well known in the computer field and are used to storecomputer data files. A USB flash memory drive contains a data storageelement, such as a memory chip, and other electronic components. Whenthe USB flash memory drive is in use, the data storage element and/orother electronic components generate heat. Thus, in accordance with thisembodiment of the present invention, there is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 aUSB flash memory drive 200 which provides a fragrance or aroma when USBflash memory drive 200 is in operation. USB flash memory drive 200 has ahousing 202 which comprises top section 204 and bottom section 206. USBflash memory drive 200 further comprises circuit support member 208 thatis between top section 204 and bottom section 206. Electricalcomponents, such as memory chips, integrated circuits, or otherelectronic components, etc. are attached to circuit support member 208.USB connector section 209 is electrically connected to circuit supportmember 208. USB connector section 209 is configured to be connected orinserted into a USB port of a computer or other data transfer device.Housing 202 further includes cover section 210 (shown in phantom) thatcovers USB connector section 209. Cover section 210 is removable.Housing 202 includes vent 213 located in the top section 204. Thepurpose of vent 213 is discussed in the ensuing description.

Referring to FIG. 16, there is shown a cross-sectional view of USB flashmemory drive 200. USB flash memory drive 200 further includes electroniccomponent 214 that is electrically connected to circuit support board208 and is part of the data storage circuitry and generates heat as aresult of the operation of the data storage circuitry. Electroniccomponent 214 can be any electronic component associated with the datastorage circuitry, e.g. integrated circuit, resistor, etc. In analternate embodiment of the invention, electronic component 214 is addedspecifically to circuit support board 208 for the purpose of generatingheat and is not pertinent to the data storage function of USB flashmemory drive 200. In accordance with the invention, USB flash memorydrive 200 further comprises device 216 that emits a fragrance, scent oraroma when heat is applied thereto. Device 216 can have any one ofseveral configurations. For example, device 216 can be configured tocontain or hold a liquid or solid substance that emits a desiredfragrance, scent or aroma when heat is applied thereto. Examples of aliquid substance include oils and perfumes. In another example, device216 is coated with a substance that emits a desired fragrance, scent oraroma when heat is applied thereto. In a further example, device 216comprises an absorbent member that is soaked or saturated with a liquidsubstance that emits a desired fragrance, scent or aroma when heat isapplied thereto. Other configurations for device 216 are possible.Device 216 can be configured to emit any one of variety of fragrances,aromas or scents, e.g. perfumes, fruit, flowers, etc. Device 216 isattached to support member 218. In one embodiment, support member 218 isattached to interior wall 220 of housing 202 and is adjacent to vent213. Support member 218 is shaped and configured so as to allow device216 to be positioned over and very close to electronic component 214.When USB flash drive 200 is plugged into a USB port, electrical power isapplied to electronic component 214 which, in response, generates heat222. Heat 222 causes device 216 to emit a fragrance, scent or aroma 224that passes through vent 213. In a preferred embodiment, housing 202further includes vent 225. Vent 225 is located in bottom section 206 ofhousing 202. Vent 225 allows airflow into the interior of housing 202 toprevent overheating of the electronic components therein.

Housing 202 can be configured to have any one of a variety of suitableshapes and designs. One example is shown in FIG. 14. Another example isshown in FIG. 18. USB flash memory drive 300 comprises housing 302 whichhas a rounded end portion 304 and a tapered geometry. Housing 302includes cover section 306 that covers the USB connector section (notshown but generally the same as USB connector section 209 shown in FIG.15). Housing 302 includes a stylish vent section 308 from which thefragrance, scent or aroma exits the interior of the housing.

FIG. 17 shows a partial, cross-sectional view of USB flash memory drive400 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. USBflash drive 400 comprises housing 402 which has top portion 404 andbottom portion 406. Housing 402 includes vent 407 in top portion 404.Vent 407 is similar to vent 213 (see FIGS. 14 and 15). USB flash memorydrive 400 further includes circuit support member 408 and device 409which emits a fragrance, scent or aroma when heat is applied thereto. Inaccordance with this embodiment, device 409 is connected to supportmember 410 which is connected to circuit support member 408. USB flashmemory drive 400 further comprises an electronic component 412 that iselectrically connected to circuit support member 408 and which generatesheat 414 in a manner similar to electronic component 214 (see FIG. 16).Thus, electronic component 412 generates heat 414 when electrical poweris applied to electrical component 412. Support member 410 is shaped andconfigured to position device 409 over and close to heat generatingelectronic component 412. The heat 414 generated by electronic component412 causes a fragrance, scent or aroma 416 to be emitted by device 409.The fragrance, scent or aroma 416 exits the interior of the housing 402by vent 407. In a preferred embodiment, housing 402 further includesvent 417. Vent 417 is located in bottom portion 406 of housing 402. Vent417 allows airflow into the interior of housing 402 to preventoverheating of the electronic components therein.

Referring to FIGS. 19-30, there is shown fragrance emitting apparatus500 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Inthis embodiment, fragrance emitting apparatus 500 has an appearancesimilar to that of a flash memory drive. Apparatus 500 generallycomprises casing 502 that has top section 504 and bottom section 506.Bottom section 506 has a vent 507 (see FIG. 24) that allows air to flowinto interior 525 of casing 502. Top section 502 has a recessed area509. Apparatus 500 further includes air vent cover 510. Air vent cover510 includes portion 510A. Air vent cover 510 is slidably attached tocasing 502. Specifically, air vent cover 510 can bi-directionally slidewithin recessed area 509. Top section 502 includes tracks 512 and 514that are in either side of recessed area 509. Air vent cover 510 isslidably engaged to tracks 512 and 514. Air vent cover 510 has a vent516. The purpose of vent 516 is discussed in the ensuing description.Vent cover 510 has a plurality of projections 518 that provide africtional surface for a user's finger. Thus, projections 518 facilitatesliding air vent cover 510 bi-directionally to either a closed or openposition. Apparatus 500 further includes USB connector 520 that isconfigured to be plugged into a USB port (not shown) of a computer or ofa computer peripheral device, or any other electronic device thatemploys a USB port (see FIGS. 21 and 23). USB connector 520 has aprinted circuit section 522 (see FIGS. 27 and 28). The portion 510A ofthe vent cover 510 covers USB connector 520 when air vent cover 510 isin the closed position.

Referring to FIG. 21, casing 502 has an interior 525 and an opening 530in communication with interior 525. Apparatus 500 further comprisescartridge case 540 that has section 542 and section 544. Fragrancemember 550 is attached to section 544. Fragrance member 550 emits adesired fragrance, scent or aroma when heat is applied thereto. Forexample, in one embodiment, fragrance member 550 can be configured as anabsorbent member that is soaked or saturated with a liquid substancethat emits a desired fragrance, scent or aroma when heat is appliedthereto. Examples of liquid substances include oils and perfumes. Inanother embodiment, fragrance member 550 comprises a device that iscoated with a substance that emits a desired fragrance, scent or aromawhen heat is applied thereto. Fragrance member 550 can be configured toemit any one of variety of fragrances, aromas or scents, e.g. perfumes,fruit, flowers, etc. In one embodiment, fragrance member 550 has agenerally square shape. However, fragrance member 550 can be configuredto have other shapes as well. Section 542 of casing 540 includes eyelet552 that is sized to receive a strap or chain which the user can placearound his or her neck. Opening 530 is sized to receive section 544 ofcartridge case 540. Interior 525 of casing 502 is sized to receivefragrance member 550 and all of section 544 of cartridge case 540. Thus,cartridge case 540 can be removably secured to casing 502 by insertingsection 544 into opening 530 and sliding section 544, and fragrancemember 550 into interior 525. Casing 502 is structured so that there isa slight frictional relationship between the inner structure of casing502 and section 544 of cartridge case 540 so that cartridge case 540does not slip out from interior 525. A user can remove cartridge case540 and replace it with another cartridge case 540 having a freshfragrance member 550.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, fragrance emitting apparatus 500 furthercomprises heating element 560 located in interior 525. Heating element560 can be realized by any one of a variety of electrical componentsthat generate heat when electrical power is applied thereto. In oneembodiment, heating element 560 is a resistor having electricallyconductive leads or wires 562 that are electrically connected to printedcircuit section 522 of USB connector 520. Electrically conductive leads562 have a degree of stiffness to keep resistor 560 in proximity tofragrance member 550. When USB connector 520 is plugged into a USB port(not shown) of a computer or computer peripheral device, electricalpower is provided to printed circuit section 522. As a result,electrical power is applied to resistor 560 that causes resistor 560 togenerate heat. Top section 504 of casing 502 has vent 570 that is inproximity to and aligned with fragrance member 550. When air vent cover510 is slid to the closed position, as shown FIGS. 19, 20, 25 and 26,the portion 510A of air vent cover 510 completely covers printed circuitsection 522 and the other portion of air vent cover 510 covers vent 570.When air vent cover 510 is slid to the open position, as shown in FIGS.27-30, vent 516 in air vent cover 510 is positioned over and is alignedwith air vent 570. Thus, when fragrance member 550 is plugged into a USBport of a computer or a peripheral device and air vent cover 510 is slidinto the open position, electrical power is applied to resistor 560thereby causing resistor 560 to generate heat. This heat causesfragrance member 550 to emit a fragrance which passes through vents 570and 516 and into the surrounding environment.

Referring to FIGS. 31-40, there is shown fragrance emitting apparatus600 in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. Inthis particular embodiment, apparatus 600 has the shape of a piece ofjewelry. However, it is to be understood that apparatus 600 can beconfigured to have other shapes as well. Apparatus 600 comprises casing601 having top section 602 and bottom section 604. Top section 602 isrotatably attached to bottom section 604 at rotation joint 606 (seeFIGS. 31 and 35). Top section 602 has air vent 608 therein thatcomprises a plurality of differently shaped openings 609. Bottom section604 has an air vent 610 (see FIG. 33). Bottom section 604 also includestop portion 612 (see FIGS. 35, 36 and 38). Top portion 612 has recess613, the purpose of which will be discussed in the ensuing description.Apparatus 600 further includes a strap or chain loop 614 that isattached to bottom section 604 and which is configured to receive chainor strap 616. A user can place chain or strap 616 around his or herneck. In a preferred embodiment, top section 602 can rotate 360° withrespect to bottom section 604 as shown in FIGS. 35, 36 and 37A.

Referring to FIGS. 34-37A, apparatus 600 further comprises USB connector620 that is pivotally attached to bottom section 604 at joint or pin622. USB connector 620 is configured to be plugged into a USB port (notshown) of a computer or a peripheral device. USB connector 620 hasprinted circuit section 624. USB connector 620 pivots within recess 613and allows the user to pivot USB connector 620 upward as shown in FIG.35 or downward as shown in FIG. 36. Once USB connector 620 is pivotedupward as shown in FIG. 35, the user can then pivot top section 602downward as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 so as to cover USB connector 620.Joint or pin 622 is electrically conductive and is electricallyconnected to printed circuit section 624 of USB connector 620. Apparatus600 further comprises heating element 630 which generates heat whenelectrical power is applied thereto. Heating element 630 can be anydevice or electrical component that generates heat when electrical poweris applied thereto. In one embodiment, heating element 630 is aresistor. Heating element 630 is electrically connected to joint or pin622 via electrically conductive lead or leads 632. When USB connector620 is plugged into a USB port, electrical power is applied to printedcircuit section 624, pin or joint 622, lead 632, and thus heatingelement 630. As a result, heating element 630 generates heat. Thisfeature is further discussed in the ensuing description.

Referring to FIGS. 36, 37A, 37B and 40, bottom section 604 has anopening 640 that is sized to receive cartridge 642. Bottom section 604also has opening 644 which functions as a vent. Top portion 612 includesportion 645 that is located between opening 640 and vent 644. Cartridge642 comprises frame member 646 and fragrance member 648 that is attachedto frame member 646. Fragrance member 648 provides a fragrance or aromawhen heat is applied thereto. Fragrance member 648 can be fabricatedfrom the same material used to fabricate fragrance member 550 (see FIG.21) which is described in the foregoing description. Opening 640 allowscartridge 642 to be removably positioned within bottom section 604. Whencartridge 642 is positioned within bottom section 604, frame member 646is visible and accessible through opening 640, and fragrance member 648is visible through opening 644. Heating element 630 is located at apredetermined position within bottom section 604 so that when cartridge642 is positioned within bottom section 604, fragrance member 648 ispositioned adjacent to heating element 630 (see FIGS. 34 and 40).

In order to use apparatus 600, the user first pivots top section 602 tothe position shown in FIG. 35. The user then pivots USB connector 620 inthe direction indicated by arrow 650 shown in FIG. 36. Next, the userthen pivots top section 602 so that it is repositioned in its originalposition (see FIGS. 38 and 39). The user is ready to plug USB connector620 into a USB port of a computer or peripheral device. When the userplugs USB connector 620 into a corresponding USB port of a device thatis operating, electrical power is applied to printed circuit section624. As a result, electrical power is applied to heating element 630. Inresponse to the electrical power, heating element 630 generates heatwhich causes fragrance member 648 to emit a fragrance or aroma whichpasses through opening 644. As described in the foregoing description,the opening 644 functions as a vent.

Once the user removes USB connector 620 from the USB port of thecomputer or peripheral device, the electrical power previously appliedto resistor 630 is discontinued. The user then pivots top section 602 tothe position shown in FIGS. 35 and 36. Next, the user then pivots USBconnector 620 in a direction that is opposite arrow 650 (see FIG. 36) sothat USB connector 620 is positioned as shown in FIG. 35. The user thenpivots top section 602 so that it is positioned as shown in FIGS. 31 and32 so as to cover USB connector 620.

When fragrance member 648 no longer provides the desired level offragrance or aroma, the user can replace cartridge 642 with a newcartridge having a fresh fragrance member.

Referring to FIGS. 41, 44 and 46, there is shown fragrance emittingapparatus 700 in accordance with a further embodiment of the presentinvention. Fragrance emitting apparatus 700 comprises casing 701 thathas top section 702 and bottom section 706. Apparatus 700 furthercomprises a USB connector 720 which has printed circuit section 722. USBconnector 720 functions in the same manner as USB connector 520described in the foregoing description (see FIG. 27). Apparatus 700includes a through-opening 752 through which a strap or chain can beinserted so as to allow the user to hang apparatus 700 around his or herneck or to hang the apparatus 700 on a hook, etc. Apparatus 700 includesLED (light-emitting diode) 795 that is electrically connected to printedcircuit section 722. When USB connector 720 is connected to a USB port(not shown) of an operating computer or peripheral device, LED 795illuminates. Apparatus 700 further comprises door 791 that is pivotallyattached to top section 702 of casing 701. Door 791 includes spring-lock792 which secures door 791 in a closed position. The purpose of door 791will be explained in the ensuing description.

Apparatus 700 further comprises a vent system that comprises a rotatablemember 710 and vent 718. Rotatable member 710 is positioned in casing701 and is configured to rotate between two positions. A portion ofrotatable member 710 is exposed at the top side of casing 701 (see FIG.42) and a portion of rotatable member 710 is exposed at the bottom sideof casing 701 (see FIG. 45). Rotatable member 710 has vent 716 andtherefore, vent 716 rotates with member 710. Vent 718 is located in topsection 702 of casing 701. Vent 718 is in communication with theinterior 770 of casing 701. Rotatable member 710 is rotated between afirst position wherein vent 716 is aligned with vent 718, and a secondposition wherein vent 716 is not aligned with vent 718 thereby closingoff vent 718.

Referring to FIGS. 47-49, apparatus 700 has an interior 770 that issized to receive fragrance bottle 740. Fragrance bottle 740 includes afragrance member 750 that extends from fragrance bottle 740. Fragrancebottle 740 contains a liquid such as perfume or oil that has a desiredfragrance. Fragrance member 750 is configured as an absorbent materialthat absorbs the liquid in fragrance bottle 740. As shown in FIGS. 48and 49, apparatus 700 further comprises heating element 760. Heatingelement 760 can be configured as a device or electrical component thatgenerates heat when electrical power is applied thereto. In oneembodiment, heating element 760 is a resistor. Heating element 760 iselectrically connected to printed circuit section 722 of USB connector720 by electrically conductive lead or leads 762. The electricallyconductive lead 762 has a degree of stiffness that allows heatingelement 760 to be positioned adjacent to fragrance member 750. Whenfragrance bottle 740 is positioned within interior 770 of apparatus 700(see FIG. 48), fragrance member 750 contacts heating element 760. Oncethe fragrance bottle 740 is positioned within interior 770, the user mayclose door 791. Door 791 includes stopper member 793 that abutsfragrance bottle 740 when door 791 is closed (see FIG. 48) and thus,prevents movement of fragrance bottle 740.

Referring to FIGS. 48 and 49, spring lock 792 further comprises aresilient generally “V” shaped member 792A and a projection 792B isattached to the generally “V” shaped member 792A. In order to operatespring lock 792, the user pushes tip 792C in the direction indicated byarrow 799, and then lowers door 791 so that projection 792B ispositioned underneath extending lip 705 of top section 702. Onceprojection 792B is underneath extending lip 705, the user then releasestip 792C so that “V” shaped member 792A expands to its normal positionthereby maintaining projection 792B beneath extending lip 705 andcausing projection 792B to abut extending lip 705. As a result, door 791remains closed until the user decides to re-open door 791. In order toopen door 791, the user pushes upon tip 792C so as to compress “V”shaped member 792A and cause projection 792B to move out from underextending lip 705. The user then lifts door 791 upward. As shown inFIGS. 45 and 46, apparatus 700 further includes an opening 790 whichfunctions as a window. Opening 790 allows a user to view the interior770 of casing 701 without opening door 791.

Referring to FIGS. 48 and 49, in order to use apparatus 700, a userrotates rotatable member 710 so that vent 716 is aligned with vent 718.Next, the user plugs USB connector 720 into a USB port (not shown) of anoperating computer or peripheral device so that electrical power isapplied to printed circuit section 722 and hence, heating element 760.As a result, heating element 760 generates heat that causes fragrancemember 750 member to emit the fragrance or scent associated with theliquid in fragrance bottle 740. The fragrance or scent exits casing 701through vents 716 and 718. When all the fragrance liquid in fragrancebottle 740 has been used, the user can open door 791 and replacefragrance bottle 740 with a new fragrance bottle.

Casing 701 and door 791 may be manufactured from any one of a variety ofsuitable materials, e.g. plastic.

All of the embodiments of the apparatus of the present inventiondescribed in the foregoing description may be fabricated from anysuitable material, e.g. plastic, resin, composite, cardboard, wood, etc.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the inventionhas been presented for purposes of illustration and description only. Itis neither intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed; and obviously many modifications and variationsare possible in light of the above teaching. Such modifications andvariations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art areintended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined bythe accompanying claims.

1. A USB flash memory drive comprising: a housing having an interior anda vent in communication with the interior; an electronic support memberwithin and connected to the housing; an electronic component mounted onthe electronic support member, the electronic component generating heatwhen the USB flash memory drive is in use; a USB connector joined to theelectronic support member and extending from the housing; a stationarydevice located within and connected to the housing, the stationarydevice containing a substance that emits a fragrance, scent or aromawhen heat is applied to the stationary device; and wherein thestationary device is proximate to the electronic component so that heatgenerated by the electronic component causes the stationary device toemit the fragrance, scent or aroma wherein such fragrance, scent oraroma exits the interior of the housing through the vent.
 2. A fragranceemitting apparatus for connection to a USB port, comprising: a casinghaving an interior and a fragrance vent in communication with theinterior; a heating element located within the casing that generatesheat when electrical power is applied thereto; a USB connector connectedto the casing and electrically connected to the heating element so as toprovide electrical power to the heating element when the USB connectoris connected to a USB port; a stationary fragrance member located withinthe casing to provide a fragrance, scent or aroma when heat is appliedto the stationary fragrance member, the stationary fragrance memberbeing proximate to the heating element so that heat generated by theheating element causes the stationary fragrance member to emit afragrance, scent or aroma which exits the interior of the casing throughthe vent.
 3. The fragrance emitting apparatus according to claim 2wherein the casing has a top portion and a bottom portion, the fragrancevent being in the top portion and aligned with the stationary fragrancemember.
 4. The fragrance emitting apparatus according to claim 3 whereinthe top portion has a generally concave-shaped cover portion that ispositioned adjacent to the stationary fragrance member, the fragrancevent being generally centrally located in the concave-shaped coverportion, the concave-shaped cover portion facilitating insertion intothe fragrance vent a fragrance-emitting substance that replenishes thestationary fragrance member.
 5. The fragrance emitting apparatusaccording to claim 3 wherein the bottom portion of the casing has an airvent that allows air to flow into the interior of the casing.
 6. Thefragrance emitting apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the fragranceemitting apparatus has a shape that is substantially the same as theshape of a USB flash memory drive.
 7. The fragrance emitting apparatusaccording to claim 2 further comprising a protective tab comprising afirst portion exterior to the casing and a second portion located withinthe casing and positioned between the stationary fragrance member andthe fragrance vent, the protective member being removable such that auser may pull the first portion and remove the second portion frombetween the stationary fragrance member and the fragrance vent.
 8. Afragrance emitting apparatus for connection to a USB port, comprising: acasing having a first end, an opposite second end, an interior and aslot in the second end which is in communication with the interior, thecasing including a vent in communication with the interior; a cartridgehaving a first portion removably positioned within the interior of thecasing and a second portion extending from the slot, the cartridgecomprising a fragrance member attached to the first portion, thefragrance member providing a fragrance, scent or aroma when heat isapplied thereto; a USB connector connected to the second end of thecasing, the USB connector having an electrically conductive printedcircuit section; a heating element positioned within the interior of thecasing and electrically connected to the electrically conductive printedcircuit section, the heating element being positioned adjacent to thefragrance member, the heating element generating heat when electricalpower is applied thereto; wherein heat generated by the heating elementcauses the fragrance member to emit a fragrance, scent or aroma whichexits the interior of the casing through the vent in the casing; and avent cover slidably attached to the casing and having an openingtherein, the vent cover being slidable between a closed position whereinthe vent cover covers the USB connector and the opening in the ventcover is not aligned with the vent in the casing, and an open positionwherein the USB connector is exposed and the opening in the vent coveris aligned with the vent in the casing.
 9. The fragrance emittingapparatus according to claim 8 wherein the casing comprises a topsection and a bottom section, the vent cover being slidably attached tothe top section.
 10. The fragrance emitting apparatus according to claim8 wherein the slot in the casing is sized to create a slight frictionalrelationship between the second portion of the cartridge and the portionof the casing that extends about the slot so as to prevent the cartridgefrom falling out of the slot.
 11. The fragrance emitting apparatusaccording to claim 9 wherein the vent in the casing is located in thetop section of the casing.
 12. The fragrance emitting apparatusaccording to claim 9 wherein the bottom section of the casing includesan air vent to allow airflow through the interior of the casing.
 13. Thefragrance emitting apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the vent coverhas a portion covered with small protrusions to provide friction for auser's finger when sliding the cover between the closed and openposition.
 14. The fragrance emitting apparatus according to claim 8wherein the second portion of the cartridge comprises means to secure achain or strap to the second portion.
 15. The fragrance emittingapparatus according to claim 8 wherein the fragrance emitting apparatushas the shape of a flash drive.
 16. A fragrance emitting apparatus forconnection to a USB port, comprising: a casing having a top casingsection and a bottom casing section, the top casing section having avent, the bottom casing section having an interior, a top portion havinga recessed area, a main opening in communication with the interior and avent in communication with the interior, the top casing section beingrotatably attached to the bottom casing section and rotatable to an openposition wherein the top portion of the bottom casing section is totallyexposed and to a closed position wherein the top casing section coversthe entire top portion of the bottom casing section and the vent of thetop casing section is aligned with the vent of the bottom casingsection; a USB connector pivotally attached to the bottom casing sectionand pivotal within the recessed area to a first position wherein the USBconnector extends from the casing, and a second position wherein the USBconnector is located entirely within the recessed area and covers thevent in the top portion of the bottom casing section, the USB connectorbeing pivotal about an electrically conductive pivot pin and having acircuit section that is electrically connected to the electricallyconductive pivot pin; wherein when the USB connector is in the secondposition and the top casing section is in the closed position, the topcasing section covers the USB connector; a cartridge removablypositioned within the interior of the bottom casing section, thecartridge comprising a frame member and a fragrance member attached tothe frame member, the frame member being accessible through the mainopening and the fragrance member being visible through the vent of thebottom casing section, the fragrance member providing a fragrance, scentor aroma when heat is applied thereto; a heating element positionedwithin the interior of the bottom casing section and electricallyconnected to the electrically conductive pivot pin, the heating elementbeing positioned adjacent to the fragrance member, the heating elementgenerating heat when electrical power is applied thereto; and whereinheat generated by the heating element causes the fragrance member toemit a fragrance, scent or aroma which exits the interior of the casingthrough the vent in the top portion of the bottom casing section. 17.The fragrance emitting apparatus according to claim 16 furthercomprising an electrically conductive member connected between theheating element and the electrically conductive pivot pin.
 18. Thefragrance emitting apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the vent inthe top casing section comprises a plurality of differently shapedthrough-holes.
 19. The fragrance emitting apparatus according to claim18 wherein the bottom casing section has a bottom portion and whereinthe fragrance emitting apparatus further includes a second air vent inthe bottom portion of the bottom casing section, the second air ventbeing in communication with the interior of the bottom casing section.20. The fragrance emitting apparatus according to claim 16 wherein thefragrance emitting apparatus has an overall shape that resembles a pieceof jewelry.